The International Academy of Mediators (IAM) is soliciting applications from academics
interested in serving as the next IAM Scholar-in-Residence (SIR).
IAM is an organization of peer-selected preeminent commercial mediators from around the
globe. The mission of IAM is to foster the highest standards of integrity and competence in the mediation of commercial disputes (www.iamed.org).
The purpose of the SIR Program is to help bridge the gap between the theory and practice of mediation. Interaction between the scholar-in-residence and IAM members can help
practitioners learn more about prevailing theories and studies, while exposing academics to
the environments and challenges facing professionals who make mediation their day-to-day
business. The SIR program provides an opportunity to test current practice models while
subjecting emerging academic theories to the pragmatic rigor of every-day practice.
IAM is now soliciting applications for its sixth Scholar-in-Residence. The IAM’s prior scholars-in residence have been:

• Professor Hal Abramson (2014 – 2016)
• Professors Dwight Golann and Lela Love (2017 – 2020); and
• Professors Doug Frenkel and Jim Stark (2021 – 2024)

Professor Hal Abramson in particular, helped IAM design and formalize this innovative
opportunity for academics to collaborate with many of the best known and experienced
mediators from different regions of the world. Distinguished scholars following him have
brought engaging and provocative ideas to the front for this cohort of prominent mediators.

Timing
The Scholar-in-Residence tenure is two years. The start of the upcoming term is flexible, ideally beginning between October and December, 2024.

Compensation
The SIR program does not offer any compensation although fees are waived for participating in IAM conferences which take place once a year.

Application and Deadline
Any interested academic should submit a letter-application to the IAM SIR Committee Chair,
Jennifer Egsgard at jegsgard@egsgardmedation.com before September 30, 2024. The IAM SIR Committee will review applications and announce the new IAM SIR before end of the year.

Letter/Application should include:

1. Name, email address, and phone number;
2. Brief narrative of why interested in becoming the IAM’s scholar-in-residence;
3. Description of possible research/publication project that would be informed by access
   to the IAM membership (one to two paragraphs); and
4. Academic resume should be attached, emphasizing experience and scholarship.

When selecting the SIR, the IAM SIR Committee will consider the following factors among
others:

• History/length of academic experience and contributions;
• Past research and publication relating to mediation and ADR processes;
• Mediation experience, which is not required but is considered an asset.

Possible Scope of Scholar-in-Residence Activities – Further Detail
Illustrations of the sorts of activities in which the SIR might engage are outlined in this section. The opportunities can be expanded as the SIR program develops and evolves under the oversight of the SIR Committee.

a. Contribute to IAM Webinars and Conferences
The SIR can assist in designing workshops for IAM webinars and conferences. This might include programs based on the expertise that the person brings to the position, or hosting an academic speaker on a subject that might be of interest to the membership.
IAM Conferences are held once a year and have historically been cutting edge, with top tier
presenters and panelists. The next IAM Conferences are currently scheduled for May 27 – 30, 2025 in Queensland, Australia, and end of May 2026 near Boston, USA.

The IAM also hosts regular webinars for its global membership and the SIR is encouraged to
propose programs for these webinars.

b. Contribute to the IAM’s List Serv Discussion Group
The SIR is encouraged to participate in the IAM confidential List Serv by posing questions of
theory, ethics, and strategy and commenting on threads. The threads provide a lively exchange of ideas. However, no member content may be distributed or republished by the SIR without express permission.

c. Engage in Scholarship that Draws on the Expertise of the Membership
The SIR should prepare an article or other work that will be informed by discussions or
collaboration with members of IAM.
The SIR also is available to help members prepare articles and speeches by serving as a
sounding board and offering advice on the timeliness of topics and options for publication,
providing the possibility for significant mutual enrichment between the IAM and the SIR.